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with clingfilm - turns them into mini-propagators, that keep the compost damp, aiding germination.Label the pots and place them on a window sill in plenty of light. Aim to keep the room at 21°-25°C while the seeds germinate.After about five weeks, remove

for identical plants to be propagated from them.I can't be the only person making unusual discoveries in their garden this summer. As I write this, there are probably gardeners all around the country stumbling across our future 'must-have' plants...

and the trays are well used and very efficient. Even my ancient propagator works well, although it's in much need of a new lid as the plastic is badly cracked and discoloured. It is the COMPOST that infuriates me. I know the price of compost goes down

trays, compost or propagators. Just clear the soil, forking it over to remove debris, weeds or larger stones and get sowing. I use sand from the kids' sandpit to mark out separate areas for each type of seed, and sow in rough rows to make subsequent

wonderful biennial, so are naturally short-lived, but lending a hand with their propagation ensures they'll be around to be enjoyed for many years to come.

the chitting seed potatoes, seed trays, pots and propagators. It also forces me to throw things away. So, out go the weird, wonderful and unused gadgets. Out go the seed packets that I've kept for years on the assumption that I might one day sow the contents

I spent a lovely few hours in the greenhouse last Sunday. There's something so relaxing about being surrounded by propagators and seedlings.Light levels have been lower than normal and, because I'm convinced that a limb will soon be blown from my

failed again).The temperature has been so high during the day that I’ve had to remove the lids from two propagators, to prevent them from ‘boiling’ the seedlings. I keep a couple of watering cans close by, as the plants are guzzling water

.Protecting strawberries from slug and rain damage.Growing early strawberries.Propagating strawberries.

, frost-free positionFruit & vegPlace potted-up dahlia tubers in a heated propagatorStart raising crops from seedPrevent seedlings suffering damping-off diseaseGreenhouse30 minutes to sow and 30 minutes to pot onFind out how to sow successfully from seed